Naruto: Darkness Rising 2.0

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Underworld

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Read all the way to the END of the chapter so you won't be confused. Here is chapter 10. Enjoy!

[ ] Signifies Japanese

Last time:

….Ildi asked grinning, "What were you dreaming about Naruto? I kept hearing little growls when you were sleeping. It was cute."

Naruto blushed slightly and answered, "I was dreaming about when I served the Kangxi Emperor in 1696 at The Battle of Jao Modo. I served on the Qing side as a general and was always yelling out orders to my troops."

"Seems like you always were a General." said Ildi smiling. "Where was that at?"

"It was in China." said Naruto. "That was the first time I crossed swords with Shǒuwèi. He was serving in the Dzungar-Mongol Army under Galdan Boshugtu Khan. It was quite a battle. The Mongols had 30,000 men and the Qing had 50,000." Naruto described the battle in detail to his mate and how terrain, tactics and supplies forced parts of the battle to swing one way or the other….

"Wow…." said a male voice in awe.

Both Ildi and Naruto turned and saw all of her brothers (minus Emil who was still lying down) all listening with rapt attention and stars in their eyes. "So; what happened next?" asked Anton excitedly.

The blonde kitsune raised an eyebrow and all of the siblings seemed very eager to hear more. Ildi smiled and then said, "Go on Naruto…."

Naruto ended up entertaining the majority of the Graf family as he described the Dzungar-Qing Wars that lasted from 1687 until 1758….'I guess this isn't so bad….' thought Naruto.

Ildi thought to herself, 'I had no idea my mate was such a good story teller. This will be great once we start having kids.'

Chapter 10

Kyoto, Japan, Firefox Technologies Building

….After a horrendous battle Lady Kurami's head rolled to a stop. The room was a sea of blood from her immense body and those of her four Yako kitsune guards outside. Two nine tailed kitsunes were there in their massive forms overlooking the carnage. The entire hidden prison floor of Kurami's base of operations was demolished. Kraven was nearly insane from being starved of blood but now he was gawking in awe of his two saviors(?). Both kitsunes had grafted cybernetic parts here and there all over their bodies. They were both gray. The lighter gray one said in a distinctively female voice. "All this carnage of our own kind to rescue a pathetic vampire. Cut him loose Kinzoku."

The darker gray Kinzoku said in a mechanical monotone, "It is a waste but Master Isamu commanded it. We owe him our lives Tetsu." Using the razor sharp edges of a mechanical tail, Kinzoku sliced Kraven's bindings in a split second and freed the captive vampire. Kraven stared dumbly before Kinzoku said, "There is blood all over for you to feast on night walker. Eat yourself sick if you want." Kraven started consuming the blood madly and he felt his power skyrocket as he licked the blood off the floor like a starving animal.

Tetsu said to her partner, "What a disgusting creature."

"If he will help us avenge ourselves on Naruto-sama then it will be worth it." said Kinzoku as he watched Kraven convulse with the power of a Lady Kurami's blood before passing out in delirium. The dark gray kitsune shook his head."After Naruto-sama slaughtered us like animals in French Indochina when we were helping the French at Dien Bien Phu….I will never rest until that butcher is dead at my feet." Kinzoku cringed at the memory of Naruto slaying him during the 1954 battle. It still had Kinzoku traumatized. Kurama-sama's grandson was completely and utterly without mercy and cut Kinzoku down in the most brutal fashion possible. Naruto even destroyed Kinzoku's voice box because he found the dark gray kitsune's screams for mercy annoying as he died….

Tetsu didn't like to think about her experience there either. She could still feel the phantom pains as Naruto brutally hacked off her limbs. She'd set up a brilliant ambush to destroy Naruto and avenge her comrade Kinzoku only to find that Naruto had spread an illusion over the battlefield. When Testu attacked she fell into Naruto's own ambush….not a single member of her regiment survived….They were consumed in a maelstrom made of blue foxfire. 'I have mechanical legs now but it is not the same.' thought Testu morosely. It wasn't until thirty years later in the 1980s that Isamu somehow revived them both as cyborgs to serve him. Tetsu lived to serve Isamu's cause and destroy Naruto. Once that was accomplished she intended to shut down the cybernetic parts that kept her alive and hopefully would go to the pure land.

Kinzoku turned into his human form and said, "The vampire is unconscious. Let's take him and Lady Kurami's head to Master Isamu. There is nothing else for us to accomplish here."

The two cybernetic kitsunes each vanished in a pillar of fox fire to see their Master Isumu….

….

Budapest National Airport, Hungary

The radiant Inari Priestess Himeko stepped off of the 747 she'd been travelling on wearing a western designer dress suit. For all intents and purposes she looked like a supermodel as she glided down the escalator with her attendant Chie in tow. [So this is Hungary. It is very different from Japan]. said Himeko in her native tongue as she looked around curiously at the western architecture.

[It is my Lady, but I rather like this part of the world]. replied Chie. [It would probably be in our best interest to switch to speaking English in public. It is not the primary language here but many speak it].

"I suppose you are right Chie-chan." said Himeko in English. "It is a major language in business worldwide. What is the first thing on our itinerary? I'm famished and the fare on that airliner was quiet unpalatable. Some real food is in order."

Chie pulled out her phone and quickly scrolled through several screens. "We should check into the hotel first to drop off our luggage and then see about getting an actual meal."

"Very well Chie-chan. How will we travel?" asked Himeko excitedly.

"We will travel by taxi from the airport like everyone else does my Lady." said Chie in a responsible tone. "At least until we rent a car. Fortunately I can drive."

Himeko pouted. 'I'd rather explore this land on foot in my fox form. Pretending I'm a human really sucks.'

….

Vienna, Austria

Naruto and Ildi bid farewell to her family. It seemed that Naruto's many exploits through the centuries rather fascinated the Graf family and Naruto genuinely liked Heinz and Lady Marguerite. He could take or leave to others. He wasn't too fond of Emil though….More importantly Emil had a healthy fear of Naruto….

The couple rode their motorcycles back to Budapest in high spirits. Once they got into town the phoned Selene who met them for lunch at Café Gerbeaud. Selene seemed quite pleased that Naruto and Ildi had a good time and they talked about their little adventure in Vienna.

Ildi said, "That reminds me; we met a crazy old woman selling werewolf whistles and all kinds of stuff to ward off E-V-I-L. Do you like garlic?"

Selene gave half a smile and said, "So she believed in that old wives tale too huh?"

Naruto nodded. "She also sold nickel weapons to fight werewolves with. Apparently silver is a money making scam so she sold nickel axes and crucifixes."

The vampire hybrid covered her laughter to avoid attracting attention. "It sounds like she must have been quite the werewolf hunter. No doubt many have fallen against her deadly whistles over the decades."

The lot of them laughed at the idea of a whistle warding off lycans and Naruto gave a werewolf whistle to Selene as a souvenir….

….

Budapest, Hungary, Kempinski Hotel Corvinus

After checking into the luxurious hotel, Himeko and Chie went to the Nobu Restaurant because they served Japanese cuisine there. Despite the 'new age' flavors, both kitsunes enjoyed it immensely. Soon the pair was in Himeko's Junior Suite which was adjacent to Chie's. Chie felt it was excessive to have a room as large as her mistress but Himeko thought otherwise.

"So how do we go about finding Naruto-sama Chie-chan?" asked Himeko. "I don't sense the presence of a powerful kitsune anywhere in this area."

Chie said, "He seems to be an expert at hiding his aura. Once I was within fifteen feet of Naruto-sama his power was overwhelming though."

"Hmmm….Then our best choice is to call him and catch him before he runs away." said Himeko in a mischievous tone. "We'll call him tomorrow and you can use that computer of yours to trace him."

The younger priestess sweat dropped. "I'd have to hack into the local GPS satellite system to do that my Lady. Then I'd have to triangulate his position from the signal strength. It's not as simple as one might think."

"I have every confidence in your abilities Chie-chan." said Himeko in a praising tone.

"Can't we just try calling him first my Lady?" asked Chie pleadingly. "The simplest methods are the best ones."

"They aren't as fun though." said Himeko with a pout.

Chie resisted the urge to face palm at her Mistress's mischievous antics….

….

Isamu's Lair, Kyoto, Japan

"And so we have the vampire captive with us. He seems to be in a comatose state since he drank Lady Kurami's blood." said Kinzoku to his master Isamu.

"You have served me well Kinzoku." said Isamu darkly. "What of the vixen Kurami?"

Kinzoku answered, "Tetsu has her head. We left the body behind as an example. Tetsu and I didn't think you'd want it in here where you sleep Master Isamu."

Isamu nodded. "Very good. I will come out and view my trophy later then. When that Vampire awakens bring him to me. I have much to discuss with him. If Naruto hates him bad enough to chase him around the world he must have something dangerous against Naruto….What is the night walker's name again?"

"It's Kraven my Lord. He was apparently the regent of the vampires in Europe before he fled from Naruto-sama." replied the dark gray cyborg in his usual monotone.

"That was it; Kraven." said Isamu. "This is a good day. You and Tetsu have done exceedingly well. That rebellious vixen Kurami has paid with her life for defying me and we have a new ally against Naruto. You are dismissed Kinzoku."

Kinzoku bowed and excused himself….

….

Infirmary, later

Tetsu was furious. "The bloodsucker still hasn't awakened yet." she said glaring at Kraven's unmoving body. "His vitals are all elevated. What the hell?"

"It's little more than rehydration. We'll have to inform Master Isamu of the situation regardless -and it's your turn Tetsu." said Kinzoku. Even in his monotone, mechanical voice it was obvious Kinzoku was frustrated with the situation.

"And I ask for the thousand time why Master Isumu doesn't have a damn phone or intercom we can call him on." grumbled the light gray female.

"You know he despises electronics and possibly being spied upon or detected." said Kinzoku. "He is extremely paranoid."

"Yet he wasn't afraid to stuff the two of us with electronics as well as his human assassin brigade that he controls with drugs." said Tetsu. "I've got a camera for an eye for Inari's sake!"

"It's a double standard I gave up on understanding long ago Tetsu." said Kinzoku tiredly. "Sometimes I feel like more of me is machine than flesh….Let's not dwell on it. We need to update Master Isamu about Kraven's condition."

Tetsu nodded and stalked off to the rabbit warren Isamu used as his hideaway. She could only fit in an eight foot sized form which was a pain in the ass considering the distance involved. As her metal legs clicked along in the darkened halls she wondered how her master came upon the technology that could shrink and grow and change form with her. It was just another thing she didn't understand about her half faced Master….

….

Budapest, Hungary, Ördögház Mansion

Naruto followed Selene back to Ördögház Mansion. After spending some downtime with both of his mates; Ildi kissed him goodnight and told him to go home with Selene. When they arrived back at her room Selene gave Naruto one of her rare smiles and kissed him hungrily. "I've missed you my love." said the dark haired beauty.

Naruto returned her kiss and said, "I've missed you too my angel." Naruto spent the night making love to his vampire princess. It wasn't until well into the AM hours that they curled up in each other's arms feeling sated and happy. Naruto finally dozed off dreaming of the two women that held his heart….

….

Naruto was up in the morning and he and Selene decided to meet up with Ildi for breakfast. He was trying to find a good place to eat on his phone when it suddenly rang and he nearly dropped it. The blonde kitsune recovered from being startled and answered, "Naruto Corvinus here."

That's when he heard Chie's voice, "Ah, good morning to you Naruto-sama. This is Kitsune Chie. I hope I have caught you in a pleasant mood."

Naruto grimaced and said, "What can I do for you Miss Chie? I do hope you are not calling on behalf of that doddering fool Kazuo-san. You should keep much better company."

Chie sighed in relief. 'He isn't angry.' "No Naruto-sama, I am in the company of my Mistress Himeko-sama."

"….And how does that concern me Miss Chie?" asked Naruto in a flat tone.

The young Priestess took a deep breath. "My Mistress has information regarding your Mother Kushina-sama. She has travelled all the way here to Budapest to relay it to you. I assure you this has nothing to do with Kazuo-sama or his proposals. It is Himeko-sama's duty as an Inari Priestess to tell you and bares no relevance to the Celestial Council at all."

There was a long pause and finally Naruto asked, "Assuming this information is relevant to me; what is the price for it?"

Chie stopped and then said, "There is no price. It is Himeko-sama's sworn duty to help you avenge Kushina-sama against her enemies. It is Inari-sama's will for us to do so."

Naruto could sense no lies. Chie sounded very fearful actually. Naruto finally said, "Call me back at noon. I must confer with my mates. I will give you an answer then." He then turned off his phone.

Naruto looked over his shoulder at his beautiful mate Selene standing there looking concerned. She had a bathrobe on and her hair was still damp. Selene looked at him with compassion in her hazel eyes. "What's wrong Naruto? I could sense your unease from inside the bathroom."

Naruto kissed Selene's forehead. "I just got some disturbing news from the Inari Kitsunes angel. I want to talk to you and Ildi about it before I decide how to act on it."

Selene looked very anxious but said, "Let me get dressed in my combat gear and you can teleport us to Ildi."

Naruto nodded and Selene kissed him passionately. He hugged her close and said, "I'll call Ildi and the three of us will decide what to do together."

The blonde kitsune called Ildi while Selene got dressed. Ildi had been expecting a call from her mate but not one with such foreboding news. Ildi agreed to meet them at Heroes' Square at the statue of Matthias Corvinus within an hour….

….

Gundel Patisserie

The three mates were soon having an early meal at Gundel Patisserie which was within walking distance of Heroes' Square. After they were served Naruto cast an illusion around them so they could talk freely. "This is the chick they wanted you to marry?" asked Ildi suspiciously. "Big Sis and I are definitely going with you!" she declared.

"I'm in total agreement with Ildi." said Selene in an iron tone. "What is the supposed reason she wants to meet you for?"

Naruto sighed. "Her attendant claims that the Inari Priestess has information about my Mother -and her enemies."

Both Selene and Ildi got a distinct chill at the vehemence in their mate's voice.

Selene asked, "What do you intend to do with this information Naruto?"

Naruto said, "Until I know what the information is; there is no way to determine what actions are necessary." Then he added, "I'm not doing anything without you girls agreeing."

Ildi relaxed a bit. "Then we'll all decide together as a pack; okay?"

Naruto reached over and held hands with both of his mates. "Yes, we'll decide as a family." He felt the tension in both his mates subside somewhat. "We'll wait until noon and then go meet the Priestess and her attendant once we have their location."

"What should we do after breakfast then?" asked Ildi.

"Let's just walk around and window shop." said Selene. "I've never seen the area in the sunlight before."

Naruto smiled and said, "We'll do some sightseeing then; just the three of us."

….

Kempinski Hotel Corvinus

Himeko was talking with Chie after the younger Priestess got off of the phone. "Well Chie-chan; did he agree to meet us for lunch?"

"Yes he did." said Chie in a tone of relief. "He is meeting us here at the Nobu Restaurant we ate at earlier. However he informed me that he was bringing his two mates with him and that we are not to threaten them in any way whatsoever."

Himeko pondered for a moment. "So he has a family. I wonder if they are kitsunes. This may be a good thing Chie. I was under the impression he cared for no one but himself."

Chie said, "He seemed very adamant about their safety. Perhaps they are humans."

"Well, his Mother mated with a human so perhaps he followed suit." said Himeko. 'Perhaps this will get me out of the Celestial Council's ridiculous arranged marriage plans. It's a perfectly reasonable excuse.'

Chie watched her Mistress as Himeko calculated all of the different angles about this new information. Chie sweat dropped. 'What are you up to now Himeko-sama?' Himeko was a very intelligent but extremely mischievous vixen. If Chie didn't know her so well she would have missed the gleam in Himeko's eye….

….

Isamu's Lair, Kyoto, Japan

Kraven was wide awake and a bit disturbed. He felt powerful. As a matter of fact; he felt stronger than he had in his entire life. The two cyborg kitsunes Tetsu and Kinzoku had determined that he somehow the kitsune blood restored him but they didn't know how or why. Now the pair was leading him along through the labyrinth the Lord Isamu called home….

Kinzoku said, "You are to be absolutely respectful to Master Isamu, vampire. Any sign of disrespect and you will be struck down. He spent valuable resources to rescue you and you owe him your life. Do not take this lightly. If you do it will not end well."

"I understand Kinzoku-san." said Kraven respectfully. "You have my eternal gratitude."

Tetsu growled, "We had to sacrifice five of our own kind to pull your fat out of the fire vampire. Whether or not it was worth it remains to be seen." She was obviously not very happy with the situation.

"I assure you I will prove to be a valuable ally." Kraven replied. He was sweating fearfully.

"That is for Master Isamu to decide." said Kinzoku….

….

Isamu's personal chambers

Kraven stood there quivering at the massive form of Isamu towering over him. The ancient kitsune had already dismissed Tetsu and Kinzoku so he could speak with Kraven alone. "So let me get this straight." rumbled the half faced kitsune. "You were attempting to set up a Coven here in Japan under the aegis of the late Lady Kurami. Naruto came all the way to your home in Budapest and drove you out. You then relocated to Kyoto and Kurami betrayed your trust. Am I correct so far?"

"Yes Lord Isamu," said Kraven. "I now know that trusting Lady Kurami was a mistake. I am grateful that she is dead and gone."

"She was a yako kitsune." growled Isumu in distaste. "They are not to be trusted as they do not follow Inari's will. Only the zenko such as myself are fully trustworthy."

"Then those serving you are zenko as well?" asked Kraven.

Isamu nodded. "They are followers of Inari as am I. Naruto's existence is an affront to Inari-sama and it is our righteous duty to remove his taint from this Earth. You've already seen Tetsu and Kinzoku. Do you wonder how they came to be in such an atrocious state?"

"I wondered but I did not ask." said Kraven timidly. "I did not wish to offend."

"They clashed with Naruto." said Isamu darkly. "As powerful and righteous as they were he brutally tortured them both to death. Naruto is a butcher who is trying to disrupt the zenkos. He is like a plague and we need to wipe him out at all costs."

Kraven bowed and prayed that he wasn't found to be useless by this monstrous old kitsune. "I will do everything in my power to help you destroy the monster Naruto; Isamu-sama." 'With this new power I have I can claim Selene as my mate. There will be no doubt who the strongest vampire is now….'

….

Nobu Restaurant

Himeko sat down gracefully as Chie ordered appetizers for five. Naruto, Selene and Ildi arrived ten minutes later and joined them. Himeko said in English, "I bid you greetings Naruto-sama. Thank you for agreeing to meet me at such short notice." Himeko cast an illusion around the group and said, "It is safe to speak freely now. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Himeko-sama, a nine tail vixen from a long line of the Inari Priestesses and this is my attendant Chie who is a one tail Priestess of considerable talents. Might I know your names?"

Naruto nodded, "I am Uzumaki Naruto and these are my mates Selene of the vampires and Ildi of the lycans."

Himeko raised a delicate eyebrow. "I was under the impression that the lycans and vampires were at war."

"I am brokering a peace between the two factions." said Naruto. "The vampire's and lycan's war has gone on far too long and I am mediating between both sides."

Chie looked surprised. "Forgive me for asking Naruto-sama but are you not a general? It seems unusual for someone of your background to been involved in a peacemaking process."

"The first werewolf and vampire are my half brothers." explained Naruto. "I came here due to a vampire incursion in Japan and decided to end this pointless war of cousins."

"That is most….admirable." said Himeko in surprise. "I had no idea."

"I would like to know the information you have on my Mother Kushina-sama." said Naruto.

'He is blunt.' thought Himeko. "If you would be willing I will tell you everything in the privacy of one of the rooms Chie and I have rented. I need to cast an illusion so you can see what I saw in a vision of great importance to Inari-sama's Priestesses."

"You are a clairvoyant?" asked Selene.

"I often see visions but the one concerning the Celestial daughter took place in the distant past." explained Himeko. 'I sense kitsune powers from both of Naruto-sama's mates. This bares investigation.'

"Who is the Celestial daughter?" asked Ildi curiously.

Himeko explained, "The Celestial daughter was one of the many titles held by Naruto-sama's revered Mother Kushina-sama. She justly ruled over the Inari kitsunes for many centuries until she was betrayed by her council. Chie and I have come to set things right as Inari-sama wishes. I will explain all in detail once we are in private."

'Naruto-sama seems much more at ease.' thought Chie in relief. 'I am glad. Of course we don't have an agenda like Kazuo-sama did. I'm glad Himeko-sama is behaving as well. She can be very volatile after all.'

….

Kempinski Hotel Corvinus

Lunch went pleasantly enough. Naruto's mood seemed determined and Selene and Ildi were sticking close to him. 'This Himeko woman is beautiful.' thought Ildi. 'At least she isn't trying to seduce Naruto or anything.'

Himeko was leading the way to her suite. She wondered about Naruto. 'He doesn't seem too bad. I wonder how he'll react to the vision I had of Kushina-sama.'

Once they arrived at Himeko's room the Priestess explain, "My vision showed me the original council of advisors betrayed Kushina-sama and sealed her away. They were not strong enough to kill her and it is Inari-sama's will that she is freed of her imprisonment."

Naruto's eyes widened. "Kaa-chan…." he whispered.

Himeko sat down and said, "I will share the vision I had with all of you by casting an illusion to immerse us in the vision. Chie, you need to see this too. Everyone please be seated."

Naruto said. "Before we are immersed I am going to cast a mental anchor."

The nine tailed Priestess looked shocked and her indigo eyes widened. "How do you even know of that technique; let alone being able to cast it?"

Chie said, "I have never heard of this technique Himeko-sama. What is it?"

Himeko explained, "When one is immersed in a powerful vision it can be difficult or impossible to escape back to realty if the one casting the illusion has evil intentions. A mental anchor allows one to shatter the illusion at will but only Priestesses of my line know the technique. It was said that my ancestors learned it from Inari-sama." Himeko's indigo eyes narrowed angrily at Naruto and she said, "Tell me how you know my family's technique Naruto-sama!"

Naruto's eyes burned red and said mysteriously, "I am descended of Kurama-sama. Of course I know it. Do not be so arrogant to claim that ability only as your family's own."

Himeko blinked and said. "You were a child when Kushina-sama was sealed away though. It is far too advanced for a child to learn. Kushina-sama couldn't have taught it to you and Kurama-sama sleeps…."

"My Grandfather sleeps but he dreams as well." said Naruto.

The priestess's eyes widened even more. "Then Kurama-sama taught you the ways of the kitsune through your sleep…."

Naruto nodded. "When Kurama-sama lost contact with my Kaa-chan he came to me in dreams. Neither of you Priestesses may repeat this."

Chie looked conflicted at this revelation but Himeko nodded and said in a resigned tone, "As you wish Naruto-sama. Please cast your anchor and then I will share my vision with you and your mates."

….

Two hours later Naruto was sitting in silence as tears ran down his face. Seeing his Mother again was soul crushing. Both Selene and Ildi were holding on to him as he cried. The names Isamu, Nobuko and Yuudai were revealed to Naruto and Kushina's son swore bloody vengeance upon them so he could free his long lost Mother at last….

….

Isamu's Lair, Kyoto, Japan

In Kyoto, Isamu shuddered though he knew not why…."Is something wrong Master Isamu?" asked Kinzoku.

Isamu shook his head, 'For a second I saw Kushina-sama's image before she destroyed half my face. What a terrifying vision. Never will I be free of that horrific memory.' "I am fine Kinzoku. Take me to Lady Kurami's head so I can decide what to do with my latest trophy. If it is intact I may have it stuffed and mounted." he said too gleefully for Kinzoku's tastes.

'What a macabre concept.' thought Kinzoku. 'How distasteful; we at least owe her a proper burial.'

In the last few days Kinzoku and Tetsu had determined the Kraven was little more than a bureaucrat and felt his usefulness to their cause was limited at best. (They both agreed secretly that Kurami and her follower's deaths were a terrible waste). However; Isamu thought otherwise given the cowardly vampire had political pull with other vampires. Kraven had already contacted all the vampires that were working at Foxfire Technologies and informed them Kurami was no longer involved in the Far East Coven project. Some of them seemed relieved but many felt that Lady Kurami's involvement provided a safety net that the Far East Coven badly needed.

Of course Kraven never mentioned he nearly died and now owed his allegiance to Isamu. He couldn't afford to tip his hand about that as it might cause unrest among his people. Now the former Regent was waiting for good news from Europe before he made a move. If all went well he could wrest control of the Vampires from the Elders in Budapest. Then he would turn his attentions to the New World Coven in New York City. The cowardly Vampire was mainly counting his blessings that Lady Kurami was already dead….

….

Kansai International Airport

Meanwhile, the gorgeous vixen Lady Kurami Hotaru was boarding a business flight to scenic Hungary. Given Naruto's last location was there she wagered that the Blood Red Tide hadn't left Budapest just yet. 'Leaving that one tailed meat puppet behind when I sensed those two saved my life.' She chuckled to herself. 'I wonder how long it will take before they figure it out. The magics I used will last a few weeks at best. How I'd love to be a fly on the wall when old man Isamu finally puts two and two together that I'm still alive. He'll rage for a month!'

Boarding the first class flight she had booked; the wily vixen pondered what she'd seen in the security film she had digital copies of for Naruto's viewing pleasure. 'The security footage I gathered shows the two assassins definitely serve Isamu. The crafty old bastard has crossed the line with me this time. Luckily they actually came out and said they served Isamu and lived to destroy Naruto-sama. How foolish of them. This is just icing on the cake since Naruto-sama wants Kraven dead as well.'

As she settled into her seat for the long flight to Budapest Lady Kurami concluded that laying low for a period would be in her best interest. Her company could run itself for a while with no adverse effects. Kurami had taken extended vacations and business trips before. She sat and wondered about Kinzoku and Tetsu. 'Those two were cyborgs of a sort. I wonder what Isamu was doing with them given his aversion to technology.' Kurami thought the herself, 'The only kitsune I know of that can enhance cybernetic parts with kitsune magics is that old woman Nobuko who is a cyborg herself. I haven't been in touch with her for decades but I'm sure those two are her work. No one else has that kind of skill. I wonder if she's still in Malaysia. It wouldn't surprise me if old Isamu has had dealings with her at some point or other. I guess she must run a bigger operation than the prosthetics company I knew her for all those years ago.'

As the airliner started rolling down the runway for takeoff Kurami thought to herself gleefully, 'I can't wait to see you again Naruto-sama!'

….

Kempinski Hotel Corvinus

Naruto was discussing things with Himeko and the fiery Priestess was getting irritated. "What do you mean you intend to wait?! Kushina-sama needs to be freed now you dolt!"

The blonde kitsune growled, "I'm in the process of ending a war. You have no idea where any of those three traitors are even located. It is a foolish notion to run off blindly to find them without a plan….and you don't have a plan at all. This will require intelligence and patience. You clearly have little of either."

"Oh how I want to slap you!" roared Himeko as she blasted Naruto with killing intent only a nine tail could unleash.

Chie, Selene and Ildi watched from the sidelines as Naruto shrugged off Himeko's killing intent as if it was nothing. "You don't frighten me Priestess. Is this how Inari-sama would want her Priestesses to act?"

"Arrgh! You are so frustrating!" screeched Himeko as she stamped her foot before she vanished in a swirl of fox fire.

"What a temperamental vixen…." muttered Naruto.

He turned to Chie who quailed a bit. "Tell your Mistress once she calms down that we need a plan and some leads. I'm going to start researching on my end. We can't expect information to drop out of the sky and hit us in the head."

….

Of course, Naruto knew nothing about Lady Kurami's impending arrival….

….

Budapest, Hungary, Ördögház Mansion

Deep in the bowels of Ördögház Mansion were the resting chambers of the Vampire Elders. Two of them always slept in a state of hibernation while the third led the Vampires along with the Vampire Council. This was known as 'the chain.' However, for the first time in centuries; all three Elders were awake….

Two weeks ago the Vampire Elder Viktor had been awakened from his slumber by a group of vampires that were against the peace that Marcus and Naruto were trying to forge between the vampires and the lycans. Some of them also had connections to Kraven but were found to not be guilty or involved in Kraven's criminal activities. Only six of them remained at Ördögház; the rest had left in an effort to stir up insurrections against the peace at lesser covens. Viktor had not been happy to be awakened out of order (thus breaking 'the chain') but he was even less happy about the peace being brokered with the lycans; worse yet Lucian was still alive!

Ranting mentally about the animal that defiled his daughter Sonja so long ago; Viktor was absolutely enraged when he found out his daughter Selene was consorting with a monster as well. 'I don't know how this nightmare has happened." thought Viktor. "I need allies. Sadly, Kraven may be my best choice even if he's a traitor. My loyal followers have gathered everything I need to escape this place but I can't leave without eliminating Amelia and Selene. I don't know where this monster Naruto is but if he's consorting both with my Selene and a filthy lycan whore then Selene is tainted beyond redemption. I have to put her down….'

The distraught Elder had carefully and quietly regained his strength over the last two weeks in the sleeping chamber room and feeling his powers were at their height; he decided to break out that night….

….

Budapest National Airport, Hungary

Lady Kurami's flight from Kansai to Budapest had been a pleasant one. Of course, being in first class didn't hurt. The well travelled vixen had been all over the world on business trips and rather enjoyed flying and mingling with humans. She found them to be amusing and admirable creatures. 'They often accomplish so much in such short lifetimes.' thought the yako vixen to herself. Landing in Budapest she reached out with her senses to try and find her beloved Naruto-sama. 'Hmmm….Naruto-sama always was good at hiding himself in plain sight. I'll simply have to look around….' After about two hours of enjoying the sights in Budapest, Lady Kurami sensed power that only a nine tails could wield. "I knew he would be here!" she thought aloud. Locking her senses on her target, Lady Kurami quickly went to locate Naruto-sama….

….

POSTSCRIPT:

And done! The pieces of the puzzle are starting to fall into place and Priestess Himeko has passed on her information to Naruto. Isamu seems to be marshalling his forces but he has no idea where Naruto even is….On top of that, Lady Kurami proved a bit too crafty for the old man and is going to deliver the information to Naruto herself. See you next time. Blue out. 8/3/18.